THE FINER DETAILS

The best North East wedding jewellery and accessories at your fingertips

EMMA

Hedley Jewellery

www.emmahedley.com

This Newcastle business is where to turn to for ethical, whimsical, ethereal jewellery. “We specialise in and are inspired by mindful moments in the natural world,” says Emma Hedley. “Our pieces are designed to be a little bit different and extra special using fairtrade gold and ethically sourced diamonds and gems. We also design unique one-of-a-kind bespoke wedding and engagement rings, incorporating recycled sentimental gold and diamonds; to create heirlooms of the future to treasure and pass down. We also plant a tree for every order we make, using ethically sourced and recycled materials.” www.victoriaspongephotography.co.uk

Corsetry And Couture

www.corsetryandcouture.co.uk

Based in South Shields, Corsetry and Couture specialise in what they describe as ‘different’. “This could be anything from style, shape, colour or fabric, with our bespoke accessories reflecting your style,” says Aimee Veitch. “Using remnants of fabric or embellishments from your gown, we make hair accessories, straps or sleeves, belts and bows – even outfits for your dog if they attend the wedding! Personalised accessories are very popular this year, and are an easy way to add drama to your dress. Ours are also designed to be removable, so you can change your look from day to night with the snap of a button!” www.sarahmetcalfphoto.com

S Murray Jewellers

www.smurrayjewellers.co.uk

Newcastle’s S Murray offers a range of jewellery for weddings in-store and online to suit a range of preferences and budgets. “We can also help you create a unique piece of jewellery,” says Natalia Hay. “Whether it’s bespoke or just a simple plain wedding band, we are here to help you choose the perfect solution. As well as this, brides in particular are often looking to clean their engagement ring before the wedding. We are here to polish and rhodium plate your wedding jewellery on the same day, to bring back that original sparkle and shine.”

Get Ahead Hats Lanchester

www.getaheadhats.co.uk

Durham’s Get Ahead Hats hires and sells hats and fascinators for guests and members of your wedding party. “We have over 550 pieces in our showroom which are all available for hire or to buy at different prices,” says Carley Jackson. “Fascinators and hats are very popular at the moment for weddings as everyone wants something different – and that’s where we come in! We have a unique showroom in a lovely village and are available for appointments seven days a week. We have changing facilities so you can try outfits on and match the perfect hat, with a vast range of colours and styles to suit everyone.”

K&E WORKSHOP

www.kopeckyandelliott.co.uk

Blackfriars’ K&E Workshop produces high quality bespoke jewellery to suit all tastes and budgets. “If you can imagine it, we can definitely create it,” says Kevin Proud. “At the moment we are getting a lot of customers wanting shaped wedding bands, where it’s made to the shape of their engagement ring, making the two rings look like they were made for each other. We offer one-off bespoke pieces you cannot find anywhere else, aiming to use the customer’s own material – but are also able to supply any material that you may need. However, we also cover all aspects of repair and restoration; from resizing rings to remodelling jewellery, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings and watches.”

Dytham Jewellery Designers Ltd

www.dythamjewellery.co.uk

This Whitley Bay jeweller specialises in creating bespoke engagement and wedding rings. “At the moment there’s a clear sense of tradition,” says Jemma McFarlane. “The warmth of yellow gold is back in the playing field and increasing in popularity; while emeralds are on trend, with them symbolising harmony, growth, royalty and refinement. Oval cut diamonds are taking over brilliant cut diamonds as the desired shape; and there’s a huge shift in the popularity of lab grown diamonds over natural. Last, but not least, are cluster-style rings; with the many different combinations and styles endless.”

Mark Lloyd Jewellery

www.marklloydjewellery.co.uk

Located in Hartlepool, Mark is a master goldsmith and bespoke jeweller. “We stock wedding rings, eternity rings and engagement rings, as well as a whole range of other jewellery that’s often chosen for the rest of the bridal party,” says Michelle Lloyd. “The advantage we have over many high street jewellers is that because we are a working jeweller, if we don’t have what you want in stock, we can make it! Mark is wellknown for his high quality craftsmanship, innovative style and creativity; and the fact that when any other jeweller says it can’t be done, he can more than often find a way!”

The Wedding Dress Company

www.theweddingdresscompany.co.uk

Head to Corbridge to see The Wedding Dress Company’s dresses, as well as their large range of accessories. “As well as our gowns we stock jewellery, tiaras, veils, hair accessories, garters, bridal gloves and capes,” says Sarah Stokoe. “Luxurious chandelier and drop-style earrings are big in bridal, and teamed with a more minimalist dress these really make a statement. The gloves are also on, with this trend coming through, whether it be pearl, lace, sparkle, plain or fingerless. Oversized hairbands and bow veils are also two bold trends we are starting to see.”

High Brow Beauty

Nikkie Tutorials swears by Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Genius, and what’s good enough for Nikkie is good enough for me! This multi-benefit brow serum that noticeably improves hair texture, manageability and encourages the appearance of fullerlooking brows, blends six rejuvenating ingredients that work now and later to create a look you’ll love. Think a smoother, softer, tamer, fullerlooking brow ready to frame your gorgeous eyes as your new spouse gazes into them and says ‘I do’. Find it on the company’s website www.anastasiabeverlyhills.co.uk for £61.

A Love Letter To Your Skin

I recently attended a masterclass with Super Facialist’s resident skincare expert, Charlotte Connoley, which posed the question: do we really know our skin type? If like me your answer is somewhat hesitant, it may interest you to know that there’s an easy way to find out. Charlotte suggests simply splashing your face with water and leaving it for 20-25 minutes. If it feels prickly afterwards, you have sensitive skin; if the water’s gone, then it’s dry; if the skin is tight, it’s dehydrated; and if it feels perfectly comfortable you’re blessed with a normal skin type. Whatever you discover, Super Facialist has a range of products specifically tailored to each type, recognising this can change throughout the year. This allows you to affordably create your own individual skincare routine to support your skin throughout the seasons.

Having learned that my skin is dehydrated, I tried the divine Rosehip Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser (£9, www.lookfantastic.com) and my annoying dry patches have been banished!

SUN-KISSED BRIDE

A multi-use bronzer, blusher and highlighter, ICONIC London’s new Kissed By The Sun is an all-in-one cheek glow product allowing us all to harness the mystical power of the sun! Available in five different shades its pearlescent pigments disperse a wash of radiant shine, while its hybrid powder-meets-cream texture sits beautifully on the skin. Find it for £26 online at www.iconiclondoninc.com